GPS: S 28 35.577 E 020 20.285 | elevation 623 m/2,044 ft
Augrabies Falls National Park was originally referred to as Aukoerebis or “the place of the great noise” by the Khoi people. This thundering comes from the thick current of the Orange River, which plunges down the 56-meter Augrabies Waterfall into a granite gorge. The falls are near the main rest camp, which has picnic and braai facilities, a swimming pool and a small shop and restaurant. The surrounding 55,000 hectares of the park is a dry and rocky desert spotted with trees and scrub suited for the harsh landscape. The most prevalent wildlife in the park is springbok, gemsbok and giraffe but there are numerous other small mammals, birds and reptiles including the colorful Augrabies flat lizard.
Augrabies Falls is the park's main attraction and is an impressive sight to see and hear - especially when the Orange River is in full flood from March until May. There is a viewing deck beside the big falls just 250 meters from the main rest camp where you can watch the river drop into the gorge below.
The Dassie Nature Trail is a circular trail that starts at the main rest camp and continues along the gorge to Arrow Point, which offers spectacular views of the gorge. Other points of interest along the trail include large potholes that were carved into the rocks from the water and a granite dome called Moon Rock.
Klipspringer Hiking Trail is a demanding but beautiful 39-kilometer three-day two-night hiking trail that covers a substantial portion of the park. The first day is almost entirely along the gorge and the following two days wind through the interior of the park. Overnight accommodation is in rustic huts with bunk beds. Drinking water and firewood are supplied but sheets, electricity and showers are not available and camping is not permitted.
Night Game Drives are offered subject to availability and should be booked in advance.
Mountain Biking is allowed within the park as long as you stay on the roads. Bikes are available for rent or you can bring your own.
Accommodation Augrabies Falls National Park can be booked through SAN Parks.
Camp and caravan sites are located at the main camp and are spread out under trees. Each site has a power point and there are central washing facilities, a cooking area with electric stoves and a braai area.
Chalets are en suite with a small kitchen and AC. Outside is a braai and sitting area. Each chalet has two single beds and a pullout couch. There are also two larger family cottages that sleep up to six people.
Kalahari Outventures is located 11 kilometers from the park's main gate and offers day tours within the park and rafting trips down the Orange River. All rafting trips include meals and a tent for camping on the overnight trip.
Shibula Restaurant is located at the main rest camp. It serves three meals a day with an emphasis on meat including steak, ribs, and chicken. There is also a small shop located at the main rest camp.